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Abstract Background The Taihe black-boned silky fowl, a distinguished indigenous breed of chicken, is renowned for its dual utility in both traditional medicinal and culinary applications. However, the breed faces significant challenges due to its suboptimal reproductive capabilities and a notably brief egg-laying period, which have impeded its broader development and cultivation. In this research endeavor, we employed an advanced, rapid DIA (Data independent acquisition) quantitative proteomics method on the Astral platform to meticulously analyze the ovarian proteome of these chickens. By analyzing the ovarian proteomic information of Taihe black-boned silky fowl during peak and decline egg-laying periods, we aim to identify potential reproductive candidate proteins and the molecular mechanisms underlying egg-laying decline. This could enable us to implement interventions to improve the reproductive efficiency of this valuable breed. Result In this study, a total of 8,281 proteins were identified within the ovarian proteome of the Taihe black-boned silky fowl. Among these, 303 proteins exhibited significant differential expression, with 98 proteins significantly up-regulated and 205 proteins significantly down-regulated. The functional annotation of these proteins illuminated their crucial roles in the steroid hormone synthesis pathways, which are pivotal during the peak of egg production. Furthermore, during the later stages of laying, there was a noticeable upregulation of proteins associated with inflammatory senescence and oxidative stress. This change suggests an increase in reproductive stress within the ovary, highlighting the physiological shifts that affect productivity as the chickens age. Conclusion This study identified key candidate protein markers in the Taihe black-boned silky fowl during critical phases of their reproductive cycle, specifically peak and late egg-laying periods. These findings contribute valuable new scientific insights that can be utilized for the breeding optimization and effective management of this unique breed. By elucidating the protein dynamics during different laying phases, the research offers potential strategies aimed at enhancing reproductive performance and extending the reproductive lifespan of the Taihe black-boned silky fowl. This could lead to significant improvements in both the sustainability and profitability of farming this indigenous breed.

Abstract Backgroud Oesophageal cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumours globally, primarily consisting of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Cancer stem cells (CSCs) accelerate the progression ESCC via their strong self‐renewal and tumourigenic capabilities, presenting significant clinical challenges due to increased risks of recurrence and drug resistance. Methods Our previous study has reported WYC‐209, which is capable of inducing apoptosis of CSCs in melanoma and hepatoma, but is ineffective against ESCC. Additionally, clinical studies in ESCC still lack drug candidates that effectively target CSCs. Therefore, our team developed a series of novel retinoids that target retinoic acid receptors (RARs), with enhanced potency, broader efficacy and minimised toxic side effects against CSCs. Following iterative optimisation and pharmacological validation, ZSH‐2208 was identified as the most promising candidate for effectively targeting ESCC tumour‐repopulating cells (TRCs). Mechanistic exploration revealed that ZSH‐2208 inhibits the growth of ESCC‐TRCs through modulation of the RARγ–TNFAIP3 axis. The clinical significance of the key molecule TNFAIP3 in ESCC has also been demonstrated. Results This study introduces ZSH‐2208, a novel retinoid specifically targeting ESCC‐TRCs, which holds significant potential for clinical application in ESCC. Key points The ESCC‐TRCs replicates the characteristics of ESCC stem cells, which are inhibited by ZSH‐2208. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that ZSH‐2208, a novel RA analogue, effectively inhibits the growth of ESCC‐TRCs through the RARγ–TNFAIP3 axis. Low levels of TNFIP3 protein may be associated with improved survival probability in ESCC patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the altered characteristics of cortical morphology and individual-based morphological brain networks in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as the neural network mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in T2DM.MethodsA total of 150 T2DM patients and 130 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. The study used voxel- and surface-based morphometric analyses to investigate morphological alterations (including gray matter volume, cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and localized gyrus index) in the brains of T2DM patients. Then two methods, Jensen-Shannon divergence-based similarities (JSDs) and Kullback–Leibler divergence-based similarities (KLDs), were used to construct individual morphometric brain networks based on gray matter volume, to discover altered features of the topological network and extract abnormal key brain regions. Subsequently, partial correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationship between clinical biochemical indices, neuropsychological test scores, and altered cortical morphology and network indices.ResultsBrain regions with reduced gray matter volume and cortical thickness in T2DM patients were mainly concentrated in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, lingual gyrus, and cerebellar hemispheres. The global attributes of the Individual-based morphological brain network were significantly reduced (Cp, Eloc, σ), with an increase in the nodal efficiency of the hippocampus and the nodal local efficiency of the anterior cingulate gyrus, and the nodal local efficiency of the parahippocampal gyrus and transverse temporal gyrus were reduced. There was a correlation between these node attributes and cognitive scale scores.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that patients with T2DM exhibit generalized cortical atrophy and damage to individual morphologic brain networks. It also identified overlapping and cognitively relevant key brain regions, primarily within the limbic/paralimbic network (especially the hippocampus and cingulate gyrus), which may serve as imaging markers for identifying cognitive deficits in T2DM. These findings offer new insights into the neural network mechanisms underlying T2DM-associated brain damage and cognitive impairment.

The increasing popularity of social media and the growth of gourmet food culture have elevated molecular gastronomy as a unique dining experience that enhances consumers’ perceptions of value through innovative food presentation and sensory marketing strategies. This study investigates consumer acceptance of molecular gastronomy by utilizing the value–attitude–behavior (VAB) model and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). We examine the interplay between utilitarian and hedonic values, product innovation, and sensory stimulation to understand consumer reactions and attitudes toward molecular gastronomy. Through convenience sampling, we surveyed individuals who had experienced molecular gastronomy, collecting 407 valid responses, with a response rate of 95.3%. Our findings reveal that both utilitarian and hedonic values significantly influence consumers’ attitudes (β = 0.635, p < 0.01; β = 0.750, p < 0.01). Attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and sensory stimulation play crucial roles in shaping behavioral intentions (β = 0.770, p < 0.01; β = 0.719, p < 0.01; β = 0.791, p < 0.01). Although subjective norms and product novelty also have positive effects on intentions, their impact is less significant (β = 0.511, p < 0.01; β = 0.416, p < 0.01). These insights suggest that practitioners in the dining industry should prioritize utilitarian value, hedonic appeal, consumer attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and sensory experiences when creating and marketing molecular gastronomy dishes. This research not only enhances our understanding of consumer behavior within this innovative culinary domain but also offers practical strategies for boosting market acceptance and engagement with such avant-garde dining experiences.